Spin & Trap (2006)

About this game

Here is a description of the game from Die Pöppelkiste: A promising looking idea (and set of components) is Spin & Trap. 19 balls are arranged in a hex pattern. Each player has 8 balls in their color, and 3 green ones are added as well. The first player to get 2 of them is the winner. However, both players can move any ball they want. To do this, there are two ‘tools’ available: they are plastic pieces that are placed over the balls on the board. The smaller of the two grabs 3 balls (in a triangle), while the larger one has seven openings – one in the middle and six around the edges. The middle opening must be placed over a ball of your own color. Once positioned, the tools can be rotated, moving all of the balls around. If a player manages to arrange it such that a green ball is surrounded by nothing but his own color, then he can take that green ball from the board. It’s replaced with one of your own color, which means you have a slight advantage. The first player to get 2 green balls is the winner.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.7/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.